Consequences of Single Parenting Today

Many people fail to realize that there are both positive and negative consequences of single parenting. When you think about a single parent the vision that pops into most people's minds is not a positive or happy one. However, there are many families and children who are thriving each day in homes which have only one parent. Whether they like it or not, millions of parents wake up each morning and take on the task of raising a child alone, with both the good and bad consequences that come with the decision that they have made.

The Good

Often overlooked are the positive consequences of single parenting that can only be gained by raising your child alone. These include an overwhelming sense of accomplishment that comes from knowing that at the end of the day you were able to provide a comfortable and warm environment for your child all by yourself. This is a wonderful self esteem booster, and is the driving force behind most single parents' will to get up and move forward each day.

Another good consequence of being a single parent is your ability to build a stronger bond with your child. Single parents tend to be far more attentive and involved in their child's life then parents from an intact family are. Single parents understand just how important it is to stay involved in their child's lives so that they have all of the love and support they need in order to thrive. This dedication to their child is what enables them to build a strong and irreversible bond with their children for life.

The Bad

• Unfortunately, along with the positive consequences that come with single parenting, also come the negative ones as well. While not every family will experience these negative effects, these are the things that have an opportunity to take place in a home that has only one parent. An increase in the chance for delinquent behavior can often occur in a home with only one parent due to the lack of a strong male figure, feelings of abandonment and resentment, or a lack of supervision during the day or night.

• Negative consequences of single parenting also include feelings of guilt for the parent, as they feel bad for not being able to be both a mom and dad at all times. They will often feel as though they have failed or are not able to do enough to make their child happy or keep them out of trouble. Behavioral problems are also common among single parent children, although counseling and parental involvement can help to overcome that obstacle.

It is important to understand that there are both positive and negative consequences involved when it comes to single parenting. The positive consequences of single parenting can often even overshadow the negative ones, but it is essential that you consider both and deal with them as required. Many negative problems that crop up can be handled well with an increase in supervision as well as counseling and letting your child know that you are always there for them. At the end of the day, as long as you do the best you can to be a loving parent to your child, there is no more that can be asked of you.